Sports
Drake Maye’s Latest Collapse Raises Major Questions for Patriots
Entering the 2026 NFL Kickoff Game, Drake Maye argued the Patriots’ rematch with the Seahawks was nowhere near as significant as the Super Bowl in February.
A win wouldn’t level the playing field or erase the sting of losing on the big stage in San Francisco.
Maye didn’t say before the game what a full-blown collapse in the sequel could do for his confidence and the belief of the others in his huddle.
Well, we can make that read for you. It’s Maye Day in New England.
An unabashed disaster unfolded in the second half at Seattle where the Patriots allowed a win on a platter to plummet into doubts Maye isn’t the next Sam Darnold.
On the biggest stage and in the biggest games, Maye has a two-game streak of falling face first.
There was no offensive line or suspect play-calling to blame Wednesday night. Other than a Romeo Doubs drop the blame falls squarely on Maye. He was the culprit on each of the interceptions that ended New England’s final three drives and led to a 10-0 lead becoming a 13-10 letdown.
With Darnold on the sideline after five snaps due to a hip injury, Drew Lock rallied Seattle and had a chance to put New England away after a 9-yard scramble inside the 5 set up 2nd-and-1 with the game tied 10-all. Then Lock got caught looking at his playcall wristband for too long, pushing Seattle back five yards before missing on consecutive throws. Instead of a TD and a seven-point lead, the Seahawks had to settle for a 26-yard field goal and gave the ball back to Maye.
To be fair, Maye was exceptional on the final drive and converted a 4th-and-2 with his feet and a second fourth down with a sharp completion to Mack Hollins.
And he was very good for three quarters playing extremely safe, borderline conversative, with no gain of more than 15 yards until Rhamondre Stevenson turned a short completion into a 17-yard gain.
To be honest, Maye folded again under pressure. Seeing ghosts, perhaps.
His first pick was his first risky decision of the night, going long for Doubs down the left sideline into double coverage. Doubs was open two ticks earlier, but nickel cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett closed on the underthrow to corral the tipped ball. New England was instantly deflated from 10-0 and in position to force Lock into a two-minute offense type of situation to on their heels.
Mike Vrabel said many of the same things he shared after the Super Bowl defeat. He expects Maye to bounce back. The Patriots are looking ahead, not back, to the Sept. 20 home opener against the Steelers.
Maye can win beat Pittsburgh. Probably the next week at Jacksonville, too. We know he can win games. He has months before his next chance to prove capable of delivering in the clutch.
Edgar Grospiron has left his position as president of the organising committee for the 2030 French Alps Winter Olympics just 18 months after his appointment.
The departure of Grospiron, the 1992 Olympic moguls champion, was confirmed at a meeting of the committee’s executive board on Thursday, marking the latest setback in the event’s troubled governance.
In a statement, the organising committee said: “His decision to leave the presidency is part of a deliberate, organised and fully assumed transition, taken in the interests of the project and its governance.
“It reflects a shared desire with stakeholders to enable the organisation to quickly enter this new operational phase.”
Confirming his departure via a post on LinkedIn, Grospiron said his decision followed “months of tension”.
“I draw the conclusion that the conditions are not met for me to continue this,” he wrote.
Grospiron’s tenure, which began in February 2025, has been plagued by internal turmoil and logistical challenges.
In February 2026, chief executive officer Cyril Linette left the committee, citing “insurmountable disagreements” with Grospiron.
Linette’s departure followed a number of other high-profile resignations, including chief operating officer Anne Murac and communications director Arthur Richer.
Budget cuts have plagued the planning process, with Grospiron admitting in February they had “little time, little money”.
However, he remained confident he could “deliver a Games that will honour our vision and ambition” provided there was “serenity” and “continuity” from the organising committee.
In May, the committee was forced to shelve the Games’ ‘ice sports hub’ in Nice after the city’s mayor, Eric Ciotti, refused to allow OGC Nice’s Allianz Riviera Stadium to be converted into a temporary ice rink.
The ice events will now be hosted in Lyon, with the exception of speed skating, which will take place in Heerenveen in the Netherlands.
Two months later, following a tense board meeting in July, French Olympic Committee president Amelie Oudea-Castera told La Tribune Dimanche, external that they were “once again facing governance problems”.
Despite another departure from the organising committee, French sports minister Marina Ferrari says there is “no concern about what comes next”.
“The bid is continuing to move forward,” she told reporters. “Our teams are mobilised and working. We are confident about the future of the Alpes project.”
The International Olympic Committee praised Grospiron’s “crucial work in laying the foundations for the success” of the Games.
“The IOC will continue working in close collaboration with the organising committee to build on the solid foundations that Mr Grospiron has laid,” the statement added.
Irish Open, first round leaderboard
-5 J Niemann (Chile); -3 S Lowry (Ire), S Norris (SA), A Meronk (Pol, 15*), M Steinlechner (Austria, 13*), R Paratore (Ita, 12*); -2 K Kobori, (NZ), R Cabrera (Spa), T McKibbin (NI), P Reed (US), C Syme (Sco), N Noergaard (Den), F Lacroix (Fra), J Skov Olesen (Den, 17*), R Langasque (Fra, 16*), D Law (Sco, 12*)
Selected others: -1 E Ferguson (Sco), A Sullivan (Eng), N Hoejgaard (Den), R McIlroy (NI); Level J Rahm (Spa); +1 P Harrington (Ire); +2 R MacIntyre (Sco); +3 L Donald (Eng); +5 S Garcia (Spa), B Koepka (US); +8 T Hatton (Eng)
*denotes number of holes played in uncompleted rounds
Rory McIlroy sits four shots behind leader Joaquin Niemann after a blustery day one at the Irish Open at Doonbeg.
McIlroy carded a one-under-par 69 despite the high winds and sporadic showers which battered the Trump International Golf Links and Hotel in County Clare.
The world number two posted birdies at the second and fourth holes, double-bogeyed the 13th after taking two shots to get out of a bunker, but then picked up a shot at the 15th.
Back-to-back Masters champion McIlroy is aiming to defend the title he won at the K Club last year and secure a third Irish Open crown of his career, having triumphed at the same venue in 2016.
A victory this week would see him draw level with European greats Seve Ballesteros, Nick Faldo, Bernhard Langer and Colin Montgomerie on three Irish Open successes.
A run of four consecutive birdies between the 14th and 17th helped Chilean Niemann assume his position at the top of the leaderboard.
The LIV golfer shot six birdies in total, with just a single dropped shot, to hold a two-shot lead over a group of five players, including Ireland’s Shane Lowry and South African Shaun Norris, who both completed their first rounds.
Italian Renato Panatore, Maximilian Steinlechner of Austria, and Pole Adrian Meronk are also on three under but are among a number of players who must return to finish their opening 18 holes on Friday morning after fading light brought a halt to proceedings on Thursday evening.
Play was slow throughout the day as the inclement weather posed significant challenges for the later starters in particular.
Northern Ireland’s Tom McKibbin, who was three under for his first four holes, Scot Conor Syme and Race to Dubai leader Patrick Reed are among those on two under.
Two-time Irish Open champion Jon Rahm was left to rue an unproductive day on the greens as he shot a level-par 70.
Robert MacIntyre lies two over, with five-time major winner Brooks Koepka and Sergio Garcia three further back on five under, and European Ryder Cup player Tyrrell Hatton eight over.
Koepka’s cause was not aided by a triple bogey at the first, quickly followed by a dropped shot at the second and he will require an improved round on Friday if he is to avoid a second successive missed cut at the event.
Content warning: The following article contains depictions of alleged domestic violence.
Josh Jacobs pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property on Thursday, just ahead of Week 1, after moving his initial court date up from November. Jacobs told the court , “I fully understand the seriousness of the situation, and I take full responsibility.”
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He was fined $1,000 and has five conditions for his plea:
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No further criminal acts;
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No contact with the victim;
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Pay restitution to the victim
Jacobs will reportedly not serve jail time, and the NFL is now likely to consider a suspension in the near future. He’s currently on the commissioner’s exempt list, and if he’s suspended later on, games missed on the exempt List will count toward his suspension. He’d likely be fined his salary for games missed while on the exempt List.
The NFL Personal Conduct Policy has a baseline suspension of six games for domestic violence. The State of Wisconsin did not count this as domestic violence because the victim was not living with Jacobs at the time, but the NFL will most likely consider this a domestic violence issue. There is some precedent of other battery charges being originally six games and then reduced to lower than that, but the most likely scenario is roughly six games, beginning in Week 1.
From the admittedly very awkward transition from the legal situation to fantasy football purposes, this is close to a best-case scenario for Jacobs. It’s easier to find replacements with most RBs healthy heading into Week 1 and without teams on bye. It also shortens the runway for MarShawn Lloyd, Kaleb Johnson and Chris Brooks to make noise and cut into his work. Jacobs was the RB12 last season as the Packers’ bellcow, and it’d be a surprise if he didn’t have close to that workload upon his return as an upside RB2. If drafts were held today, Jacobs would be a sixth-round pick to me.
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That said, the criminal complaint still indicates that some of this altercation was on video. The criminal complaint, according to ESPN, stated that a woman was trying to leave Jacobs’ garage when he “grabbed her and threw her to the ground, and she struck her head, suffering an injury.”
If the video is leaked and it shows something the NFL does not feel comfortable with, then Jacobs’ could still end up missing more than the projected six games. For what it’s worth, the District Attorney’s office did drop the charges from five to two and reduce them from a felony to misdemeanors after seeing the video. The video was also at Jacobs’ residence, not in public like the leaked videos of Ray Rice, Alvin Kamara and others.
Lloyd would be closer to the 120th pick if drafts were held today, as a short-term RB2/FLEX candidate. Packers OC Adam Stenavich said the team will use a committee approach in Week 1 against the Vikings’ unique defense. Lloyd likely gets the start, but newly-acquired Kaleb Johnson should get carries in an offense built for his style. Meanwhile, Chris Brooks is the only proven pass protector, and with the Vikings’ blitz-heavy scheme on schedule, he could play more than many expect.
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Lloyd is my RB27 in Week 1. He’s a very clear sell, as confidence around his value could tank with an opening clunker. It doesn’t appear he’ll be in the mix for starts for very long either.
The reigning champions are in fine form! After a poor start to their league campaign, PSG came alive on their return to European action, cruising to a 6-1 win over Slovakian side Slovan Bratislava. Ousmane Dembélé, who scored twice and provided two assists, and Ferran Torres, who hit a hat-trick, led PSG to victory.
Levanga Hokkaido’s Dwight Ramos during the Japan B.League Manila preseason games. –B.LEAGUE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—Dwight Ramos once again felt the frenzy of the Filipino crowd during the Japan B.League Manila Games.
By now, though, the situation is hardly a surprise.
READ: Dwight Ramos ‘big piece’ in Levanga’s B.League bid, says Tominaga
After playing for Gilas Pilipinas around the world, Ramos said playing at home–even for a Japanese club–felt much the same.
“I play in Japan and there’s a lot of Filipinos there. I played in the Middle East, and there’s also a lot of Filipinos there. I play here and the gym’s packed,” he said. “I can’t even tell the difference. It’s the same everywhere I go.”
“No matter where I go, I get the same crowd where I play. I really appreciate it and I’m really grateful for it.”
Fans at Mall of Asia Arena during the Japan B.League Manila preseason games. –B.LEAGUE PHOTO
The rowdy home crowd fueled Ramos to drop 17 points, four assists and three rebounds.
His Levanga Hokkaido, however, fell to the Gunma Crane Thunders for the second straight night, this time a 101-91 loss in overtime Thursday at Mall of Asia Arena.
READ: Japan B.League coaches impressed by Manila crowd’s passion
On the other side, AJ Edu nearly tallied a double-double with nine points and nine rebounds.
Like Ramos, Edu was ecstatic to feel the home crowd again, but he was happier to see his Gunma teammates experience the Filipino fans’ passion.
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“It’s great that they also experienced how Filipino fans are,” said Edu. “This isn’t quite like Gilas but I always talk about their passion so I’m grateful that my team got to experience that firsthand.”
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The reigning champions are in fine form. After a poor start to their league campaign, PSG came alive on their return to European action, cruising to a 6-1 win over Slovakian side Slovan Bratislava. Ousmane Dembélé, who scored twice and provided two assists, and Ferran Torres, who hit a hat-trick, led PSG to victory. In the other matches, Liverpool edged past Atlético Madrid 2-1, while Barcelona cruised past Feyenoord 5-1. Last season’s runners-up Arsenal secured a 1-0 win over Napoli. In tennis, there will be a new world No. 1 on Monday. Elena Rybakina reached the US Open semi-finals, securing the top spot in the rankings. In cycling, Matthew Brennan claimed his fifth stage win of the Vuelta at just 21 years old, becoming the youngest-ever rider to achieve the feat.
Man United 0-0 Sabah, 6 mins
Sabah looking fairly tidy so far, although there’s a frisson of danger in the air when they play the ball around at the back. But the Azeri champions certainly aren’t no-hopers.
United yet to create anything and, in fact, Sabah win the first corner of the game.
Luke Baker10 September 2026 20:09
Man United 0-0 Sabah, 4 mins
Fernandes wins a second ball and passes first time to Sesko but it’s sloppy from the striker as he immediately gives the ball away.
United then press hard and goalkeeper Pokatilov only just gets the ball away under pressure. An ooh goes round Old Trafford.
Luke Baker10 September 2026 20:07
Man United 0-0 Sabah, 2 mins
Man United pressing hard early on as Sabah try to move up the field and win a couple of throw-ins.
When the hosts do get the ball back, they’re happy to patiently stroke it around, waiting for an opening to emerge.
Luke Baker10 September 2026 20:05
KICK-OFF! Man United 0-0 Sabah
Underway at Old Trafford. Man United are back in the Champions League
Luke Baker10 September 2026 20:04
Man United v Sabah team news
The teams are out on the pitch at Old Trafford. Here’s a reminder of how they line up.
Four changes for Man United as Mazraoui, Yoro, Dorgu and Sesko come in.
Man United XI: Lammens; Mazraoui, Yoro, Martinez, Dorgu; Tielemans, Mainoo; Mbeumo, Fernandes, Cunha; Sesko
Sabah XI: Pokatilov, McCarthy, Dashdamirov, Rakhmonaliev, Nwachukwu, Parris, Lepinjica, Mickels, Simic, Puchacz, Zedadka.
Luke Baker10 September 2026 19:59
‘This is Sabah’s second Champions League game in England this season’
More from Richard Jolly at Old Trafford this evening
“This is Manchester United’s first Champions League game of the season but Sabah’s second in England already. They beat the Welsh champions, The New Saints, in Oswestry in July, before the World Cup had finished.”
Richard Jolly at Old Trafford10 September 2026 19:55
Carrick offers pre-match thoughts
And here’s some more extensive pre-match thoughts from Carrick as he prepares to bring United back to the Champions League for the first time since 2023
Luke Baker10 September 2026 19:51
Michael Carrick explains changes and Shaw absence
Michael Carrick has explained Luke Shaw’s absence from the squad this evening and discussed his four changes – with Noussair Mazraoui, Leny Yorko, Patrick Dorgu and Benjamin Sesko all coming in
“It’s a little bit of that [managing him],” Carrick told TNT Sports. “He came off the other day [at Everton] with a little bit of cramp. We didn’t want to take any risks really.
“We tried to manage him so we will see how he is after this one.”
On the four changes, Carrick said: “We wanted to change a little bit and freshen things a little bit, but try to get the balance right.
“Attacking-wise, we feel we’re really strong. I feel we’ve got a really good team, you know, and a good squad. We didn’t want to change too many. It’s not easy, as you know, playing in a team with too many changes as well.”
Luke Baker10 September 2026 19:46
Gunma Crane Thunders Filipino AJ Edu during the Japan B.League Manila preseason games. –B.LEAGUE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines—AJ Edu is slowly making his mark with the Gunma Crane Thunders, and former NBA journeyman Stanley Johnson has taken notice.
Johnson is still finding his way with Gunma after leaving Nagasaki Velca, but he already likes what Edu brings to the Crane Thunders.
“He adds a lot of size to our lineup. He has his rebounding, versatility and finishing,” Johnson said after Gunma’s 101-91 overtime win over Levanga Hokkaido at Mall of Asia Arena on Thursday. “He’s good at screening angles, especially against teams who love to switch on us.”
Edu showed his impact in the win with a near double-double of nine points and nine rebounds.
He also helped make the job easier for Johnson, who won a title with Velca last season, as the forward finished with 17 points.
Gunma coach Kyle Milling also praised Edu, saying the Gilas Pilipinas big man brings more than just his physicality.
According to Milling, Edu’s court vision is not to be underestimated as well.
“Last night, he had four assists and at one point last season, he had six assists,” said the coach. “He’s a great passer as well.”
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Sports
Keys to a Vikings Opening Win Over the Packers and Thoughts on the Wentz vs. McCarthy Decision
Opening day in the regular season always has been one of my favorite days on the NFL calendar.
Done (thankfully) are the offseason program, training camp, and boring preseason games. Now the games count and there’s no bigger opener for the Vikings and their fans than facing the arch-rival Packers at home in an important divisional matchup as the nationally televised doubleheader game on Sunday at 3:25 pm.
In my team exec years, the opener was nerve-racking, especially if it was a division game. We never wanted to start 0-1 since that ratcheted up the pressure in Week 2 when an 0-2 start is a big problem (and the Vikings face a tough test next week in Chicago against the reigning NFC North champion Bears). A win over the Pack will build positive momentum for Week 2.
The big Vikings news on Wednesday was the announcement by Kevin O’Connell that Carson Wentz will back up Kyler Murray in the opener. It’s not a huge surprise but certainly increases the speculation on J.J. McCarthy’s future in Minnesota. More on that later but first here are my keys to a Vikings win over the Pack.
Keys to a Vikings Opening Victory
On Offense —
The Vikings worked hard in training camp on their outside zone running game under assistant head coach and run game guru Frank Smith. It helps to have their starting offensive line fully healthy and I expect a lot of outside runs by Aaron Jones (against his former team) and Jordan Mason on the left side behind tackle Christian Darrisaw (who should be better this season after dealing with his ACL injury aftermath last year), guard Donovan Jackson in his second season and one of the NFL’s top blocking tight ends—Josh Oliver.
Mason has lost weight and looks quicker. He’ll probably get more carries than Jones as the season progresses while Jones still has a big role in the passing game with screens and swing passes. Speedy rookie Demond Claiborne can bring a change of pace.
A strong rushing attack against a Packers run D that ranked 18th last season will set up play action shots downfield to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison with intermediate passing to Jauan Jennings and T.J. Hockenson.
Murray should go to Jefferson early and often against suspect Packers corners even when he’s often double covered. It’s exciting to think of the potential for the Vikings offense if they can run the ball and pass protect effectively and if Murray produces.
Without Micah Parsons late last season, the Packers’ pass rush lost its best player and the team lost their last five games, including a playoff defeat in Chicago when Caleb Williams threw for 361 yards and was only sacked once.
With Parsons out on Sunday, Murray and the Vikings could have similar success against the Green Bay defense now directed by DC Jonathan Gannon (after Jeff Hafley left to become head coach of the Dolphins). But the Vikings must be wary of two top playmakers on the Packers defense—linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and safety Xavier McKinney. Ex-Viking Javon Hargrave also would love to make some big stops at DT against his former team. Center Blake Brandel needs to handle Hargrave and not have any snap miscues, which was an issue at times in training camp.
On Defense—
The return of Harrison Smith is great news for Brian Flores and the Vikings defense. Smith played well late last season and he should solidify the secondary as a big upgrade over Jay Ward or Theo Jackson as a leader and in keeping the secondary in the right alignments against the run and pass. Third round rookie Jakobe Thomas needs time to fully grasp Flores’ scheme so Smith is an important addition.
O’Connell did not commit on if or how much Smith will play in the opener after only one week of practice. But he keeps himself in shape and should see plenty of action on Sunday in a big divisional game. Another question is whether new signee Kyle Van Noy will be activated from the practice squad as the third edge rusher after only a couple weeks with the team. But Van Noy knows Flores’ defense from playing for him at New England and Miami so I expect to see him for a dozen or so snaps.
Defensive keys on Sunday will be a team effort on run defense to stop backup running back MarShawn Lloyd with Josh Jacobs out and pressuring Jordan Love as the Packers deal with O-line injuries. The Vikings young defensive linemen — led by Jalen Redmond and including rookies Caleb Banks and Domonique Orange — need to play well on run defense and provide inside pressure on the pass rush. Linebackers Blake Cashman and Eric Wilson will be key in run D and on blitzes along with helping to cover star tight end Tucker Kraft, someone whom Love will target often.
I like the matchup of excellent edge rushers Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner against Packers tackles Jordan Morgan and Zach Bako-Bewele (who is dealing with a knee injury but is expected to start). It will be interesting to see how Flores utilizes second round LB Jake Golday who could get some snaps as an edge rusher along with Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins playing some on the edge.
The Vikings secondary will be tested by some fine skill receivers led by Kraft and including Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, and Matthew Golden. Corners Byron Murphy, Isaiah Rodgers, and James Pierre must cover well and of course limiting Love’s time to throw will be critical.
Limit Penalties and be solid on special teams
There are a lot of new players (including a bunch of rookies) who will play special teams. A lot of Vikings penalties were called on punt returns in preseason so discipline in avoiding penalties will be critical on special teams and offense/defense.
It will be undrafted rookie punter/holder Brett Thorson’s first NFL game so he needs to handle the moment and do a good job punting and holding for all-pro kicker Will Reichard. Thorson did fine in preseason to beat out vet Johnny Hekker and he needs to continue on a positive path. Reichard is a proven kicker who should give the Vikings an advantage over rookie Packers kicker Trey Smack.
Prediction
It will be a great atmosphere at U.S. Bank Stadium for this border battle that is extra important for the Vikings since it’s the opener and a home divisional game.
I would’ve picked the Vikings even if Parsons and Jacobs were playing but their absence tips the scales even more towards the Purple who are the healthier team.
I think the Vikings will be the better team on both sides of the ball with a strong run game, a solid first start for Murray making big plays with Jefferson and Addison while avoiding turnovers and a defense that forces a couple turnovers. Vikings win 31-20 to get off to that important 1-0 start.
More on Wentz over McCarthy
Before McCarthy’s poor performance in the second preseason game against the Ravens, he appeared to be in the driver’s seat for the No. 2 QB job. I think things changed in O’Connell’s mind when McCarthy missed two open receivers in the end zone against Baltimore, produced no points on seven preseason drives, and then reportedly told the medical staff he didn’t feel his ankle was in good enough shape to play in the preseason finale at Denver. Wentz looked better in his limited action as he led the team on three scoring drives.
O’Connell made the right call in saying that having Wentz as the backup with his “hundred NFL starts” (actually 99) “gives us the best chance to win this Sunday.” Harsh words for J.J. to hear perhaps but it’s an accurate statement.
McCarthy now must bide his time, continue working hard on his accuracy, try to become more durable by building himself up, and stay ready if he’s needed in the event of injury to the other QBs. O’Connell says McCarthy “has 10 starts, a bunch of talent, and a bunch of things that make him a guy we want to pour into every day.”
It’s hard to predict what the future holds for the 23-year old McCarthy but the Vikings can’t give up on him yet.
Other Week 1 Games Involving NFC North teams
I pick the Lions to win at home over a seemingly improved Saints team and I think the Bears will get a road win in a close game at Carolina. If the Vikings and Bears both win, it will set up a fun matchup of 1-0 teams next week in Chicago.
France’s Pauline Astier, left, and France’s Marine Johannes react after the Women’s Basketball World Cup quarterfinal match between the China and France in Berlin, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2026. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi)
BERLIN— Marine Johannès and Janelle Salaün led France to the semifinals of the women’s FIBA World Cup for the first time by beating China 90-61 on Thursday, joining the United States among the final four.
Both Johannès and Salaün scored 15 points while Gabby Williams contributed 14 as the Olympic finalists put themselves in contention for a first World Cup medal since the inaugural tournament in 1953, when France finished third in the final round.
“It means a lot,” Williams said of reaching the semifinals for the first time. “We want to be one of the greatest teams ever to put on the French jersey. Obviously we have a big goal this tournament, but it’s great to check this off the list.”
Chants of “Allez les Bleues” rang around the Berlin Arena before Williams opened the scoring, and the French supporters made sure they were heard for the rest of the game as their team dominated on the court below. France has been fluid and free-scoring, beating its four opponents so far by a combined 156 points.
The team set a tournament record for 3-pointers in a single game by netting 22 in its final group game on Monday. The French players connected on 14 of 37 attempts Thursday, with Johannès and Salaün scoring three triples each.
“We are lucky because we are a group that have known each other for a couple of years now,” Salaün said of France’s team spirit. “We went through a lot of things, the Olympics, training camp(s), so we just know each other and we know what we want. We have a goal and we want to do everything to get to this goal.”
Salaün had an ice pack bound to her right knee. France coach Jean Aime Toupane told The Associated Press it was just a precaution.
Two spots to be decided
France awaits the Germany-Belgium winner later Thursday, while Spain faces Australia in the last quarterfinal for a semifinal showdown with the U.S. on Saturday.
The four-time defending champion Americans routed Hungary 108-56 in the first quarterfinal earlier Thursday with Napheesa Collier scoring 19 points to stretch their winning run in the tournament to 34 games since a semifinal loss to Russia in the 2006 semifinals.
Zhang’s impact limited
The French defense limited the impact of China’s 7-foot-3 Zhang Ziyu, who had the attention of two French players any time she received the ball. The 19-year-old sensation was held scoreless over her 7 minutes, 18 seconds of play in the first half, though she contributed in defense with three blocks before halftime.
There was nothing Zhang could do to stop Johannès from scoring successive 3-pointers in the third quarter, when she also got on the scoreboard. Zhang finished the game with 7 points, 8 rebounds and 7 turnovers.
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Han Xu, who had a double-double in each of her four games at the tournament, again led China with 21 points and 9 rebounds.
Welsh farmer convicted following ‘worst case of animal neglect’
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